Eric Shelton (fighter)

Eric Maurice Shelton (born February 2, 1991) is an American mixed martial arts fighter competed in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2013, he has also competed for the RFA and was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions.

Early career
Shelton began his professional MMA career in July 2013, upon compiling an impressive 11–2 record during his amateur career. Over the next three-and-a-half years he fought mainly in the mid-west, amassing a record of 10–2.

The Ultimate Fighter
In July 2016, it was announced that Shelton would be a cast member of The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions. He was ranked #15 and selected by Team Benavidez.

In the first round, Shelton defeated Yoni Sherbatov via technical submission (rear-naked choke) in the second round. In the quarterfinals, he defeated Ronaldo Candido by unanimous decision. In the semifinals, Shelton lost to eventual winner Tim Elliott via unanimous decision after two rounds.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
After The Ultimate Fighter, Shelton was signed to a UFC contract. He faced Alexandre Pantoja in his debut on January 28, 2017, at UFC on Fox: Shevchenko vs. Peña. He lost the fight via split decision.

In his second fight for the promotion, Shelton faced Jarred Brooks on July 29, 2017, at UFC 214. He again lost the fight via split decision.

In his third fight for the promotion, Shelton faced Jenel Lausa on November 19, 2017, at UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Tybura. He won the fight via unanimous decision to earn his first UFC victory.

Shelton faced Alex Perez on February 24, 2018, at UFC on Fox: Emmett vs. Stephens. At the weigh-ins, Perez weighed in at 126.5 pounds, half a pound over the lightweight non title fight upper limit of 126 pounds. As a result, the bout proceeded at catchweight and Perez was fined 20% of his purse, which went to Shelton. Shelton lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Shelton faced Joseph Morales on November 10, 2018, at UFC Fight Night: Korean Zombie vs. Rodríguez. He won the fight via split decision.

Shelton faced Jordan Espinosa on March 23, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Pettis. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

On May 26, 2019, it was reported that Shelton was released by UFC.

Post-UFC career
After being released from the UFC, Shelton signed with the WXC. He made his promotional debut against Jesse Bazzi at WXC 83 on October 30, 2019. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

With the win, Shelton earned a title shot against Juancamilo Ronderos at WXC 85 on December 18, 2019. He lost the fight via split decision.

On June 6, 2020, news surfaced that Shelton had signed with ARES FC.

Shelton faced Rilley Dutro for the vacant Caged Aggression Flyweight Championship on May 8, 2021. He claimed the championship after Dutro suffered an elbow injury in the fourth round.

Shelton faced Jacob Silva on December 19, 2021, at Fury FC 55. He won the bout via unanimous decision.

Shelton faced Peter Caballero at Fury FC 67 on August 14, 2022. He would lose the fight via unanimous decision marking his first loss since leaving the UFC.

Shelton next faced Dwight Joseph in the main event of Caged Aggression 35 for the vacant Caged Aggression Bantamweight championship on 25 March, 2023. He would win fight via unanimous decision.

Shelton would then main event Unified MMA 51 against Teshay Gouthro for the Unified MMA Interim Bantamweight championship on 23 June, 2023. He would win the fight via split decision.

Shelton faced highly touted MMA Lab prospect Abdul Kamara at Fury FC 92 on June 16, 2024. He would win the fight via second round knockout.

Championships and accomplishments

 * Caged Aggression
 * Flyweight Champion (Two times; current)
 * Bantamweight Champion


 * Unified MMA
 * Interim Bantamweight Champion

Mixed martial arts exhibition record

 * Date given is the air date of the episode. The actual dates of the fight are not released by the UFC.